Television highlights from Tuesday night included Noel going off on the referees after a Jets goal against Tampa Bay was disallowed.

The footage included a digital altering of Noel's mouth to prevent lip-reading, suggesting his protests weren't family-friendly.

"There comes a point where snappage starts, and you've had enough," Noel said, Wednesday. "And that's what we did. We deemed -- that's me and my inner conscience-- deemed that we had enough."

Noel said his outburst was the culmination of several calls he didn't agree with in the Jets' 4-3 shootout victory.

But he wasn't about to discuss them further.

"That would not be wise for me to do that."

Evander Kane had some fun with his coach's rare show of emotion, while talking about his own run-ins with the officials.

"Look at Claude last night," Kane said. "Maybe he's taking a page out of my book."

If it seems Kane can't take a penalty without objecting, it's because he can't. Never has.

"I'm an emotional guy. I've been yelling at the referees ever since I was five years old," Kane said. "So it's probably not going to stop. They know that.

"This is my fourth year in the league, so you get to know the refs pretty good. Anytime you yell at the referee, I don't think it's personal, and I don't think they take it personally. And sometimes they yell back at you, and you have a good laugh afterwards."

Kane remains among the league leaders in minor penalties, with 23, but says the officials don't target him.

"A lot of roughings, I would assume. Physical penalties, I like to call them. I try to stay disciplined and stay out of the box, but it's hockey. It's a physical sport.

"They make the decisions based on their own judgments and that's what they're paid to do. So you have to respect that."

FOLLOW THE LEADER

Players continue to praise the work of captain Andrew Ladd, who led the way over the Lightning.

"He had a hell of a game," Kane said. "He really took charge and led the way and stepped up big. Prime example -- he couldn't have put it on display any better. Just going out there and not talking about it, but just doing it, and showing the guys he's here to win."

Noel says Ladd just has a knack for leadership.

"Leadership is a funny thing," the coach said. "Everyone has some portion of leadership in them. The key is, is anybody following you? They follow Andrew."

COMING OF AGE

The line of Ladd, Blake Wheeler and Bryan Little has become one to be reckoned with this season.

"You've really got to tip your hat to them. They've really done a good job in becoming a top line in the NHL," Noel said. "Before, even last year, we were, like, 'Well, are they, aren't they? What are they?' It'd be pretty hard to argue right now."

The line has 23 points in Winnipeg's last five games, all wins, and has been the Jets' best all season.

"The only reason I put them together was so we could maybe start with some chemistry," Noel said, recalling the hurried start to the season.

QUOTABLE

"It's going to be a true test of will and whatever team runs the table is going to have the best chance of getting into the playoffs. We can't underestimate any team, nor should we." -- Kane, on the playoff race.